Eric D. Foster

1943 ~ 2025

Eric D. Foster, 81, of Millcreek, Utah, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025. Born on Halloween in 1943 in Jackson, Michigan, Eric was raised in Advance and Jamestown, Indiana. From an early age, he demonstrated a deep curiosity for the world around him-a passion that would carry through every stage of his life.

Eric attended Granville Wells and Howe Military School in Indiana before studying microbiology at Brigham Young University. His pursuit of knowledge later led him back to Indiana, where he earned a degree in veterinary medicine from Purdue University-a field he began studying with his father, and would devote nearly five decades of service.

In 1972, Eric married Nancy E. Long in the Salt Lake City Temple. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and service, raising three children who were the pride and joy of his life.

Dr. Foster founded Millcreek Veterinary Clinic, where he practiced for 46 years. His love for animals and compassion for others was evident in the countless hours he spent offering care-often for little or no charge-to members of his community. He was known for his generosity, kindness, and unwavering commitment to service.

A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Eric found great joy in his missionary work in the Northwestern States Mission and later in his temple service alongside Nancy. His faith shaped the way he lived, learned, and loved.

Eric was a true renaissance man-a lifelong learner and gifted teacher who delighted in conversation and sharing knowledge with others. Whether discussing science, faith, or history, he had an unmatched ability to connect with people and inspire curiosity. Among his greatest joys was spending time with his grandchildren, teaching them about the gospel and the wonders of the natural world.

Eric is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy; his parents, Helen C. Zusne and Howard K. Foster; and his sister, Beth Foster Wiggins.

He is survived by his siblings Diane (Paul) Whitney, Paula (Ken) Weitemier, and Megan Zusne, as well as his children: Emily (Grant); Rachael (Cory); and David (Christine); 9 grandchildren, and 6 nieces/nephews.

His legacy of learning, service, and love lives on through his family, friends, and the many lives he touched.

Please share your memories and stories of Dr. Eric Foster on the Larkin webpage; they will be recorded for posterity. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Humane Society of Utah.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News from Apr. 18 to Apr. 23, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Eric Foster

Sponsored by Larkin Mortuary - Salt Lake City.

8 Entries

Dr. Lyle R Jackson

May 14, 2025

Eric, was my first employer as a veterinarian. He was my friend for 50 years, always a roll model, mentor, and trusted advisor. He and Nancy made a significant contribution to my life. Their friendship was priceless. They will both be missed and never forgotten.

Kimberly Davis

May 2, 2025

Dr. Foster always lit up with joy around animals. Remember the chicks that he raised in his backyard and the joy they brought him. I´m grateful for his smile when I entered his home.

This is how I will remember him. My condolences and love.

Robert Brough

April 26, 2025

I took my first dog to Dr. Foster in 1976 as a proud 15-year-old boy who had won the argument with my father to get a dog and be responsible for it. Mandy lived twelve years. After she was put down, I received a letter from the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine saying that a donation had been made by the clinic in her name. I still have that letter. Next came Buddy, Nugget, a cat, PK, another cat Titan and my current dog Addie so that I spanned his career almost from start to finish. All the pets lived long healthy lives. My visits probably caused crisis with his reception people because we enjoyed sharing historical tidbits about the Holladay/Millcreek area and photographs and paintings from the past. I'm sure we messed up his whole schedule for the day. When he retired in 2018 I told him that I'd been coming to the clinic since I was fifteen and he said "Yes, I remember that boy," with a wink in his eye. He was truly a remarkable person.

Craig Cook

April 24, 2025

I knew Eric for many years when he took care of my dogs. He was a great veterinarian and kind person. As President of the Humane Society of Utah I want to thank him and his family for asking that donations be given to us. We will acknowledge any gifts to the donor. Rest in Peace, Eric.

Sharon Luke

April 24, 2025

Dr. Foster was the vet for our two black labs for12 years.
He was very compassionate with those two. Between the various shots and surgeries he was so gentle with them.
After putting them down at the same time (which was heartbreaking for us) about a couple of weeks later we received a letter from Purdue University-college of veterinary medicine that a donation was made in our dogs names. I never heard of a vet doing that. He was a very wonderful man. May his memory live on through his family and friends.

Terry and Mark Gilbert

April 21, 2025

We have many memories of Dr. Foster's excellent care to our pets. One in particular was at 10:00 one morning when our little Papillon, "Peppy", was stomped on by a doe in our back yard. We scooped up Peppy's little body, bloody and limp, unconscious with tongue hanging out, barely clinging to life, and sped up to the little blue house on 33rd South. We burst in the door, screaming in complete panic, and Dr. Foster, who had many other patients, dropped everything for us. He hooked Peppy up to fluids and sent us home, saying he would call us. Peppy had injuries to his head, side, eye, and had bitten through his tongue; there was a possibility of a skull fracture, broken ribs, internal injuries and the loss of an eye. At 4:00 that afternoon, Dr. Foster called to say we could take Peppy home. Peppy was shaved and had many stitches, but was going to be fine. We thanked Dr. Foster profusely, but his reply was, "Don't thank me; it's a miracle!" From that day forward, Peppy was known in the little blue house as "the deer dog". He lived many more years until kidney and liver failure took over and, whereas Dr. Foster had saved Peppy from Heaven the first time, he had to send him there the second time. He was so kind to have us come in after hours, and we held Peppy in our arms as he crossed into Heaven. Then Dr. Foster allowed us to stay for as lo g as we needed for comforting conversation. A few years later, we moved to the east coast, and when we moved back to SLC, we were so disappointed to fi d that Dr. Foster had retired. To this day, we have never found a vet willing to give such personalized care to our pets and us. He will truly be blessed for the love he had for God's creatures.

Margaret Bringhurst

April 21, 2025

Eric and I are first cousins. He was my connection to the Foster side. We wrote letters as youngsters. When he and Nancy settled in Salt Lake we enjoyed their family more often. He was a blessing to me as he knew so much about our ancestors. God bless your family.

Michelle Kruger

April 19, 2025

Our family only had one dog during the growing up years of our three sons. I had taken Abraham, a golden retriever, to Eric because he was limping. He found a tumor in Abraham's foot and called to tell me the bad news. When I asked to have it removed and we will just see how long he lives, Eric did as I asked. It was another several years before we had to put Abraham down. But when it was time, we knew because of Eric's guidance. We were very grateful to have those extra years.

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